I have been fortunate to visit Gir National Park & Lion Sanctuary on 2 occasions, first in November 2008 which was the annual get-together of members of Indianaturewatch.com and more recently in May 2012 which was a camp organised by Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS). the visits were during different seasons so you get to see Gir in different colours.

In and around the Lion Safari Camp

The Lion Safari Camp is located off the main Sasan Gir Road and is a scenic 2 kms drive through the wilderness. The Hiran river runs beside it and is a good habitat for birding trails. Of course do not rule out a chance encounter with mammals especially the big cats. On the last morning, we did find the pugmarks of a leopard close to our resort.

The stay is in luxury a.c tents - unfortunately that means that there is a large wooden door which for me takes away the charm of a true tent experience. Here are some views in and around the campsite.

Entry to the Resort

A domestic cat watching us from its comfy position

View of the resort from the opposite bank of the Hiran River

Resort during the night

My tent number 19

a view of the pathway

Dance by the Siddhis - the Siddhis are orignally from Africa - were brought by the Nawab of Junagadh to work as bonded labour in the fields

Carrying fodder for the cattle

Fresh Pugmarks of a Male Leopard near our resort

women happily working in the field - encounters with wild animals cannot be ruled out, but this has been done for generations